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“May you live 100 years with all the wealth and wellness”, is the traditional way of blessing in India. Hope, Argan tree has been blessed twice as its estimated life span is more than 200 years. Argan is dotingly called as the ‘Tree of life’ by the Moroccan populace and is awarded with the title ‘Liquid gold’, for its innumerable healing benefits.

Cherished and kept as a beauty secret by the women of Morocco since 12 B.C., Argan oil has made a clean sweep of the cosmetic and medicinal streams with its natural potent to treat enormous skin conditions, hair problems, rheumatism, diabetes, cardiovascular disorders and many other health conditions.

Being one among the oldest extant trees on earth dated back to the Tertiary period, Argan oil is recommended in the Complementary and Alternative Medicine for treating acne, stretch marks, wrinkles and other aging symptoms, dandruff, rough and dry hair, high cholesterol levels, inflammatory conditions and more.

Argania spinosa is the botanical name of the Argan tree that belongs to the Sapotaceae plant family. Indigenous to Morocco, the conical or oval bulb-shaped fruits possess the magical seed or the nut holding the nourishing oil-rich kernels.

Even today, in this mechanized world, the extraction of Argan oil is regarded as the most complex method that any oil can be extracted. In an economically poor setup, the Berber women involve in the toiling and long-drawn-out work of extracting oil from the kernels. The fruit pulp is often used as a cattle feed, followed which the nut is cracked open to reach the kernels.

The disheartening news is that Argan tree is one among those endangered species, mainly due to deforestation, drought and inappropriate extensive use. The primordial native women of the Amazigh community were among the oldest populace to use edible Argan oil.

The edible Argan oil is a part of the scrumptious habitual breakfast of the Moroccans, where home-made bread varieties are complimented with honey and Argan oil. It is also taken with a different combination, along with fresh salads and goat cheese. The authentic Moroccan sweet Amlou is a much-relished aphrodisiac with a blend of almonds, Argan oil and honey.

Morocco sets right the best examples of Argan oil employment, especially for topical applications, in the treatment of acne, eczema, psoriasis, joint pain, dry skin, inflammatory skin conditions and wrinkles. People of various Moroccan tribes used Argan oil as a preventive aid for frizzy hair and hair fall.

UNESCO has enlisted Argan tree in the World Heritage record and utters, “Argan tree is not only the focus for conservation, but also for research and socio-economic development. Traditional uses of the Argan tree are for example forestry, pastoralism, food, medicine and cosmetics. Growing along the border of Sahara, it also functions as a buffer against desertification.”

Ayurvedic health benefits of Argan oil:

Anything and everything that is a part of nature comes under the Ayurvedic roof. This is because Ayurveda, the knowledge of life strongly states that everything on earth is a part of Mother Nature and is made up of the five vital forces of Nature.

Ayurvedic philosophy states that the origin of all existing things on earth is the real consciousness called as Purusha. It states that energy and matter are the same, where energy is evident through the 5 vital elements namely earth, fire, water, air and space. These elemental forces lay a foundation for all matters in the universe.

In the human body earth is present in the physique like muscles, bones, cartilages, tendons, skin, hair and nails. Space exists in digestive tract, lungs, thorax, mouth and the abdominal area.

Fire is instituted in the process of metabolism, vision, intellect and body temperature. Air is evident in heart palpitations, muscular movements, nervous and respiratory functions. Water endures in the form of blood, digestive juices, functions of the salivary glands, cytoplasm and mucous membranes.

These 5 vital elements combine to form the 3 doshas or the biological energies of nature, namely vata (space + air), pitta (fire + water) and kapha (earth + water). According to the Ayurvedic principle, every individual is made up of a combination of three doshas with a predominance of any one dosha. This predominance determines the personality, spirit and the behavioral patterns.

Every person is treated in a distinctive manner based upon his/her Prakriti or the unique individual constitution and Vikruti or the state of health. Balance between these doshas indicates a healthy state whereas doshic imbalances end up in illnesses.

Ayurvedic treatment involves the natural remedies and techniques for striking proper balance between the doshas. According to this remedial system, health encompasses the wellness of the mind, body and spirit, also known as Swasthya.

More than a healing methodology, Ayurveda is a way of living that embraces spirituality, philosophy, and science. It aims at diagnosis, prevention of illnesses, healthy aging, self-realization and longevity.

Integrating the Ayurvedic essence of the Eastern provinces with the nurturing herbs of the Western world is indeed an enlightening experience.

Argan oil is such a nourishing, moisturizing and enriching oil for the skin, for which it can be honored as Twachya, meaning a remedy that backs up healthy skin and as Kusthaghna for its effectiveness in repairing various skin damages and healing numerous skin conditions.

The rich presence of tocopherols, squalene, carotenes, sterols and phenolic antioxidants from its vitamin E, vitamin A, Omega 6, Omega 9 and unsaturated fatty acids make Argan oil, the best ever oil on earth for skin in the pink.

It is effective for all the three types of skin:

i. Dry, rough and scaly vata skin – With its moisturizing, nourishing, emollient and circulatory properties, Argan oil pampers your skin by kicking out dryness and leaving it supple and soft. It is one among the trusted remedies to mend itchy, flaky and rough skin.

iii. Oily, puffy and thick kapha skin – Kapha based skin has a natural tendency to secrete excess sebum from the sebaceous glands of the skin. This greasy, oil-like secretion helps to retain the moisture and elasticity of the skin.

Over-secretion might end up in oily skin, acne, blemishes and dullness. Argan oil has active anti-sebum property that regulates the secretion of sebum.

A 2007 study on “Clinical and instrumental study of the efficacy of a new sebum control cream” by Dobrev H, Department of Dermatology, Medical University, Plovdiv, Bulgaria, tested the effectiveness of a sebum control cream containing Argan oil. Topical application of this Argan oil based cream on 20 healthy volunteers for 4 weeks reveals an evident sebum-regulating effect in about 95 percent of the participants.

It works on suppressing surfeit fat cells and reduces water retention, which might otherwise end up in leaving the skin thick and puffy.

Argan oil has been in use for more than thousands of years in healing wounds, cuts, sores, burns, and acts as a protective layer for your skin from harmful UV (ultra-violet) rays, pollution, change in weather conditions, stress and other environmental factors.

This tranquilizing massage also helps in regulating the pH balance of the skin and supports in locking the natural moisture in it. The presence of vitamin E, linoleic acid and other nutrients in Argan oil aid in boosting cellular production.

2. Rasayana – Rejuvenates and restores skin health:

Argan oil is absolutely a Rasayana in Ayurvedic terms, mainly due to its anti-aging, rejuvenative, tonic, circulatory and regenerating properties. It aids in restoring the skin health that has turned thick, dry, inflamed, mature and aged skin with wrinkles, fine lines, blemishes and other aging symptoms.

The phenolic antioxidants along with the presence of Omega 6 and Omega 9 fatty acids contribute to its free radicals scavenging activity. Free radicals are often the terrible cause behind the symptoms of aging.

The oil of Argan extracted from its seed kernel is an excellent skin toner with exfoliating qualities that can discard dead skin cells, tone the cellularstructure, tightens the skin cells, influences the replenishment of new skin cells and guards skin elasticity by supporting the collagen production.

Collagen is the essential protein in the body that supports the strength of the connective tissues and grants that natural cushioning effect for various parts of the body.

Massaging your system with 5 drops of Argan oil blended with 4 ounce of Jojoba oil can do all that is required to retain your youthful looks and leave you look like ‘you’re 16 even at 36.’

Argan oil is a Deepana, which aids in strengthening the digestive system and is a Medohara that assists in reducing cholesterol and deal with obesity.

Massaging your abdomen with 3 drops of Argan oil with 2 drops of Peppermint oil can help in enhancing the secretion of pepsin, digestive enzymes and other gastric juices.

This aids in supporting metabolic functions and promote quicker digestion and proper bowel movements. The gentle properties of Argan oil also helps in soothing the lining of the stomach and intestinal walls.

Polyphenols, sterols and tocopherols are antioxidant components present in Argan oil. This helps in treating cellular damage and according to certain studies; Argan oil reduced the rate of cellular division, especially in prostate cancer conditions with its antioxidant, antiatherosclerotic and hypocholesterolemic properties.

“Argan oil has an amazing oil balance feature which hydrates dry hair and spreads and balances excess in oily hair. The oil can leave a beautiful shine without any greasiness and aims to reduce the impact of environmental pollution,” says Sangeeta Mahimtura, technical director of Juice.

Argan oil is a rich source of Vitamin E, which is predominantly recognized to help with the ducts or the growth of capillaries on the skin and scalp. This helps in cascading the therapeutic values along with natural nutrients of Argan oil and also supports proper blood circulation. And! The result is strong, healthy and voluminous hair.

With its natural emollient and moisturizing properties, Argan oil works as a conditioner and a repairing serum that works wonders in treating frizzy hair, split ends, dandruff, itchy and flaky scalp conditions.

Gently massage your scalp and hair (especially the ends), by starting from the roots and extending to the length with 2 drops of Argan oil blended with 2 drops of Ylang Ylang oil, 2 drops of Tea tree oil and 1 ounce of coconut oil. Leave it overnight by covering your head with a shower cap.

Wash your hair in the morning with ½ drop of Argan oil mixed with your mild shampoo. That’s it and you are perfectly ready with those soft, shiny, silky, detangled and bouncy locks.

You don’t need a conditioner anymore and you’d love to have your hands on your hair, just to keep caressing them.

5. Medhya – Enhances cognitive abilities and increases intelligence:

Argan oil is a Medhya herb in Ayurvedic terminology for its potent to stimulate the functions of the brain, cognitive performance, memory power, positive thinking and treat mood fluctuations.

‘Rosemary is there for remembrance’ is an encouraging phrase for all those wonderful people in the world, involved in an effort for greater achievements. Argan oil joins the queue with Rosemary oil in augmenting your cognitive performance and improved functions of the mind.

Argan oil has the same 1,8-cineole, the proven active constituent in Rosemary that has been proved as an effective contributor for Rosemary oil’s improved cognitive abilities. This is substantiated by the research conducted by Lorraine Oliver and Mark Moss, the Brain, Performance and Nutrition Research Center, Northumbria University, UK.

1 drop of Argan oil and 5 drops of Rosemary oil added to your bath is an excellent way to trigger a uplifting, new-fangled and a great day with full of positive energy to just get-up-and-go!!!

What more? Welcome our dear ‘Rock Star’.

6. Vrushya – Supports reproductive health as a natural aphrodisiac:

Though claiming Argan oil as Vrushya, aid for enhancing reproductive wellness as an aphrodisiac, lacks scientific evidences, Argan oil has nourishing properties that help withstand the natural potency and vigor for a hale and hearty relationship.

Argan oil has fatty acids like Omega 6, Omega 9, linoleic acid, oleic acid, tocopherols and phenols. This makes it an excellent aid in enhancing immunity with its antimicrobial, immune stimulant, anti-aging and antioxidant properties that assists in fighting against free radicals and augments the body’s natural ability to resist against infections and symptoms of aging.

This oil also increases prana or the life force and ojas or vitality. Supporting the health of skin and hair also adds upon your beauty quotient.

With all these benefits, Argan oil is absolute an aphrodisiac package that might help in treating impotence, lack of vitality, loss of libido due to stress and mood fluctuations, premature ejaculation and other reproductive problems.

Argan oil has also been witnessed scientifically in assisting the treatment of diabetes, liver infections, digestive disorders, and cancerous growths.

Disclaimer:

This article is crafted only for the use of information and is not in any ways meant to treat any health condition or substitute any prescription drugs or the professional medical advice of your healthcare expert. We, at Essential Depot are not medical professionals and this information is published only with the thought of sharing the healing wisdom of Ayurveda, the pioneer of all medical systems on earth.

Never take essential oils for internal use as pure and organic oils are highly concentrated liquids and might lead to allergic reactions when ingested or used on the skin directly without dilution. Make sure that you use Argan oil only for topical application, preferably after a patch test on your skin.

Remember to consult your Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare expert before choosing the appropriate essential oils for your Prakriti or unique individual constitution and Vikruti, current state of health. Talk with your Doctor before using Argan oil on children, nursing or pregnant moms – to – be.

Thought for the day:

Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.

‘Bundan iyisi Şam’da kayısı’, Will you trust me if I say that I speak Turkish? I know that you will not. Ok, chill. This Turkish idiom literally means “the only thing better than this is an apricot in Damascus” and the most simple meaning is “it doesn’t get any better than this.” That is the excellence of Apricots.

The seed kernels are the source of its rich essential oil and are also called as apricot almonds or bitter almonds, attributed to its bitter taste but the sweetest healing benefits that would coerce you to love it forever.

Often associated with ‘education and medicine’ by the Traditional Chinese, Apricot means ‘education circle’ in the Chinese dictionary. Held high as a phenomenal natural remedy for cancer, Apricot kernel is the most talked about subject matter in the world of medicinal research for its effectiveness in treating malignant growths in mankind.

Apricot kernel and its essential oil have been in various Complementary and Traditional Healing systems including Ayurveda for its enormous therapeutic benefits for treating dry skin, hair loss, wrinkles, blemishes, fine lines and other aging symptoms, rheumatic problems, cold, cough and constipation.

Apricots are scientifically called as Prunus armeniaca. This drupe fruit is indigenous to Armenia, Himalayas, China and few other parts of Asia. Certain sources also state that Apricot was first cultivated before 3000 BC in India.

The Roman General Lucullus imported Apricot initially to Rome from Armenia. The historical hero Alexander the Great was the first king to bring in Apricots to Greece.

Chinese and Apricots have a historical bonding, where the renowned Chinese physicianDong Feng of the ‘Three Kingdoms Period’ just requested his patients to plant Apricot plants in his orchard on the recovery of their sickness as a token of gratitude for his medical services. This eventually ended up in the growth of numerous Apricot trees along with innumerable medicinal benefits in Dong Feng’s garden.

The woods of the Apricot trees are also used in various wooden carvings in Armenia and the musical wind instrument named Duduk is known as the Apricot pipe.

Regarded as an aphrodisiac in Europe, Apricots have also been mentioned in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare and as a stimulant of normal labour in “The Duchess of Malfi” by John Webster.

Apricot kernels were prescribed in Chinese medicine for treating emphysema, asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory conditions. Throughout the history, these bundles of wonders have been in use for treating constipation, cough, expelling mucous and phlegm deposits and for enhancing the health of hair and skin.

Sir Robert McCarrison during his job with the Indian Medical Service in 1930s, explored the health and heartiness of a tribal populace known as Hunzas. Major Robert said that the people of this tribe lived for about 100 years of age mainly due to their nutritious diet with fresh grains, fruits and vegetables, raw milk along with their livelihood that involves lot of natural physical exercises. It was also written that there was no evidence of cancer, obesity, heart problems or diabetes.

The seeds of Apricots and its essential oil have been used in the manufacturing of perfumes, moisturizing lotions, soaps, cosmetics and in confectioneries as a substitute for bitter almond oil in seasoning culinary varieties.

The chemical constituents of this oil are oleic acid, linoleic acid, stearic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid and arachidonic acid in the order of its major presence. It also contains amygdalin or laetrile, the crystalline compound claimed to be responsible for its cancer fighting attributes.

Being the oldest remedial system (about 5,000 years old), Ayurveda is adorably called as the Mother of all healing sciences on earth. As a sacred child of India, Ayurveda is believed as a gift to Acharya Dhanvantari, the Lord of Medicine by Lord Brahma, the God of Creation.

The aim of Ayurveda is to gift mankind with absolute health, harmony, prevention of illnesses, healthy aging and longevity with the use of natural remedies including Ayurvedic therapies and a disciplined living.

It’s an ancient adage that the solutions for all the problems are deeply vested within the problem itself. With this principle in mind, Ayurveda states that illness is being in disharmony with nature and the remedies for diseases are enormously present in nature by itself.

The National Institute of Health states, “The aim of Ayurvedic medicine is to integrate and balance the body, mind, and spirit. This is believed to help prevent illness and promote wellness.”

Ayurvedic encyclopedias, namely Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita and Ashtanga Hridaya Samhita by the Ayurvedic philosophers and physicians Charaka and Sushruta talk about all kinds of medical conditions, their symptoms, root cause and remedies.

They never stopped with fever, cold, indigestion, headache and joint pain; instead they were the pioneers of plastic surgery and C-section delivery before thousands of years that lacked both the contemporary techniques and modern medical equipment.

Ayurveda defines that all things on earth including human beings are a vital part of nature and are built up with the five fundamental elements of nature. They are earth, water, space, air and fire.

Human body represents these elements where bones and muscles are the components of earth, blood and other fluids – water, heat and the essential energy – fire, breathing mechanism – air and the spirit is the element of space.

Each and every individual is a distinct part of nature with a unique individual constitution called as Prakriti, which is a combination of 3 doshas (vata, pitta and kapha). Perfect balance between the doshas indicate health and imbalance due to irregular food habits, sedentary life style, improper code of conduct, climatic changes etc, lead to illnesses.

Apricot kernel oil has the power to pacify kapha and vata doshas and aggravate pitta dosha. The natural health benefits of Apricot kernel oil are:

1. Potent cancer warrior:

The article on ‘Apricot seeds kill cancer cells without side effects’ posted in Natural news talks about the effectiveness of the amygdalin compound in Apricot kernels for fighting against free radicals and combating the growth of cancerous cells.

An intense research study by Dr. Ernst Krebb, led to the discovery of Amygdalin or the B17 compound found in Apricot kernels and in about 1200 edible plant varieties throughout nature.

Dr. Krebb also recorded in his study that amygdalin is a nitrioloside that bear a resemblance to the B complex structures. It is because of this reason; Amygdalin compound was named as B17.

This research is still under various controversies due to the fact that benzaldehyde and cyanide. Numerous foods like spinach, millet, bitter almonds, lima beans, bamboo shoots contain cyanide and are still safe for consumption. This is due to the fact that cyanide molecule in these items remain ‘locked’ and are not harmful for the system when they meet up with other molecular substances.

Unlike normal cells, the cancerous cells contain beta-glucosidase, which is the ‘unlocking enzyme’ for benzaldehyde and cyanide in amygdalin compounds of Apricot kernel oil. This reacts and destroys the cancerous cells and the presence of rhodanese enzymes in the normal cells prevent other normal cells from being affected by the otherwise reaction of cyanide and benzaldehyde.

The best possible means to use Apricot kernel oil for fighting cancerous growths is to use it in a promising massage blend. Mix 5 ounce of Apricot kernel oil with 5 drops of Clove oil bud oil, 5 drops of Garlic oil and 5 drops of Juniper berry oil and massage it gently on your system, once in a week.

Garlic, Clove, and Juniper berry oil along with Apricot kernel oil have rich antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic properties that can help in arresting free radicals, support in apoptosis (death of cancerous cells) and prevent cellular damage.

You can also add 1 drop of each of these oils in diffuser during Pranayama (breathing exercise) where most of the toxic remains in the system can be eliminated through exhalation along with the positive therapeutic properties of this oil blend.

2. Pampers your skin:

The oil of Apricot kernel is light, gentle and non-sticky, with these attributes, it has established a prominent throne in the empire of skin care products. This oil helps in moisturizing the skin in case of dry, rough and scaly conditions (emollient properties); heal cuts, wounds, sunburn, psoriasis, eczema and razor burns (antiseptic properties); protect the wounds from getting infectious (antibacterial properties); fight against fine lines, wrinkles and other symptoms of aging (antioxidant and anti-aging properties).

For locking in extra moisture in your skin surface and for treating acne, blend 2 drops of Rosemary oil with 2 drops of Tea tree oil and 2 ounce of Apricot kernel oil and gently work on your skin.

Apricot kernel oil has a rich content of vitamin E, A and C, which are extremely beneficial for treating dry, mature, scaly and sensitive skin. Apricot oil has the potent to penetrate deeply into the skin and repair the damaged skin cells from within.

Regular massaging with this nourishing blend supports in retaining the clarity, elasticity, suppleness and all other signs of a healthy skin.

3. Prevents loss of hair and treats dandruff:

Dandruff, dry hair, excessive hair loss and itchy scalp are the most sickening hair problems. These conditions are caused by lack of nutrition, unhealthful lifestyle practices, damage due to external factors and excessive use of chemical hair care products with concentration of sulphate and paraben.

Apricot kernel oil comes to your rescue with a high content of vitamin E and other fatty acids in treating all types of hair problems with its potent to lock moisture in your scalp and hair.

You can also add 5 drops of Apricot oil and 2 drops of Curry leaf oil in your mild shampoo and conditioner for adding that extra shine and bounce to your lustrous locks.

4. Powerful laxative that helps with constipation:

Apricot kernel oil is a part of the Traditional Chinese Medicine for inducing diarrhea, especially for discarding toxic remains in the body through metabolic wastes. This oil has exceptional laxative properties that help in treating constipation, where passing hard and bleeding stools ends up in excruciating pain.

Gently massage your abdomen with 6 drops of Apricot oil and 2 drops of Peppermint oil for encouraging regular bowel movements, secretion of bile and other digestive enzymes for trouble-free digestion and excretion.

5. Promotes blood circulation and relieves pain and inflammation:

The oil extracted from Apricot kernels has proven anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that aid in relieving pain and inflammation, especially in the joints.

Massaging the affected parts with 5 ounce of Apricot kernel oil and 2 drops of St. John’s Wort oil, 2 drops of Cedarwood oil and 6 drops of Ajowan oil can assist in alleviating stress and pain, strengthening the system, promoting blood circulation and eliminating toxic deposits through urine and sweat.

You can also follow this massage with heat pack for allowing deeper penetration into the skin cells. This aids in opening and enhancing the flow of prana or vital energy, harmonizing the nervous functions and for granting a sense of complete relief.

Ayurveda states that cold, congestion, arthritis, rheumatism and other inflammatory conditions are a result of amassing of toxins, salt, uric acid and fat deposits in the system. In general, fluid retention disorders are caused due to kapha vitiation and with its power to pacify excess kapha; Apricot kernel oil helps in treating such inflammatory health conditions.

With its antitussive (cough suppressant), expectorant and anti-asthmatic properties, Apricot kernel oil can help in eliminating phlegm and mucous in the lungs and respiratory passages, alleviate cold, cough and congestion and support in problem-free breathing by lessening strain on the lungs, when 4 drops of Apricot kernel oil with 2 drops of Peppermint oil and 2 drops of Black pepper oil is added to steam inhalation and a gentle massage on your back, temples, chest and throat with your vaporizing ointment mixed with this blend is given.

Other health benefits:

Apricot kernel oil is also used in the treatment of anemia, fever, lowering cholesterol for heart health, osteoporosis and earaches.

Disclaimer:

This article is only for the purpose of information and is not for treatment of any health conditions or for substituting any prescription medicines or the advice of your medical professional. We are not healthcare experts and this piece of information is shared only in public concern for passing on the traditional healing wisdom of Ayurveda.

Never take essential oils internally and it is recommended only for topical application. This is because 100 percent pure and organic oils are highly concentrated substances and may cause allergic or harmful reactions, if ingested or used on the skin directly.

Always speak with your Ayurvedic professional or healthcare practitioner before choosing the right essential oils for your unique individual constitution and medical condition. Extra care should be taken in using essential oils if it is for children, nursing and pregnant women.

Thought for the day:

“Anyone can count the seeds in an apple. No one can count the apples in a seed.” -Author Unknown.